Is Lead a problem in your home?

Lead and lead based materials are a well known health risk. Those most in the high risk category are babies and small children. Unborn babies are also at risk. Just how concerned should you be about the possibility of lead posing a danger in your home? How much of a problem could it be?

If you are in a home that was built around 40 yrs ago or more, then it was more than likely painted with lead paint. Both the exterior as well as the interior of the house could contain it.

Lead piping was something used in plumbing systems which can affect your drinking water.

One of the biggest problems is lead paint chips, or paint dust that can be found in the soil around your home.

Do you have any old furniture or antiques? There’s a good chance it may also contain lead paint.

Is lead in the home always an issue?

If the lead paint is in very good condition, then it won’t present so much of an issue. The big problems come when this paint begins to chip and peel, this is when something must be done about it.

A big issue that is often encountered is lead dust. When paint is knocked or scratched, which is an everyday occurrence in a family, this causes dust. Dust will settle just about anywhere it can, which then becomes dangerous as the household touches these dusty areas. This is especially problematic when children inevitably touch it and breathe it in.

Treading in soil which contains lead can easily happen as it is transported on shoes and boots.

Can something be done about the lead in your home if you have it? We will discuss this in our next article.